Li Yu (李漁, 1610 - 1680) was born in the Kiangsu province of China in 1610. He is the author of The Carnal Prayer Mat, a well crafted comedy and a classic of Chinese erotic literature. He also wrote a book of short stories called Twelve Towers (Shiherh-lou). In his time he was widely read, and appreciated for his daringly innovative subject matter.

In this work he broaches the topic of same-sex love in the tale House of Gathered Refinements (Cuiya Lou). This is a theme which he revisits in the collection Silent Operas (Wusheng Xi Xiaoshuo.) In that collection, the story (approximately titled) A male Mencius' mother educates his son and moves house three times (Nan Mengmu Jiaohe Sanqian) presents a view of the Fujianese homosexual customs, presented here as nanfeng, a play on words signifying both male colors (an euphemism for male love) and southern wind, a metaphor for the province of Fujian in the south of China, noted for the popularity of same-sex relationships.

Li Yu was an actor, producer, and directer who traveled with his own troupe. He died in 1680.